(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 11 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Monday, July 28, 2014

PopCom-Caraga, partner agencies reveal nominees for 100 millionth baby

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) – The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga headed by regional director Alexander Makinano visited on Monday the Butuan Medical Center and Rural Health Unit in Barangay Tolosa, Cabadbran City, where the two babies who are nominees for the Search for 100 Millionth Pinoy were born respectively on July 27, 2014.

Along with PopCom are the personnel of Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Caraga, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and some of the local media partners.

Jonathan Rudado, 22 years old and Cherry Rudado, 21, are the happy parents of the baby girl born at 1:04 a.m. on July 27, 2014 at the Butuan Medical Center. The baby girl, whose name is yet to be decided by the parents is candidate for the Search for 100 Millionth Pinoy representing Butuan City. Director Makinano personally handed-over the starter kits to the parents, witnessed by the physicians and patients of said health facility.

"My husband and I were surprised when we were informed by PopCom personnel that our baby is among those chosen candidates for the 100 Millionth Baby in Caraga… We are so glad to receive the starter kits from PopCom today and happy to hear what the government will provide for our baby. Thank you also to PhilHealth for letting us avail of the free newborn screening," expressed Mrs. Rudado.

Another parents in Purok-8 Brgy. Tolosa, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte was identified by PopCom, namely: Marietes Caubay Jabonillo (mother) and Ariel Pasibong Damasco, both are 26 years old, who are also very happy that their newly-born baby girl named “Arhea Mae” was chosen among the nominees for the said search in Caraga region. The mother gave birth at the Rural Health Unit of Cabadbaran at 1:02 a.m. on July 27. It is her third baby on a normal delivery weighing 2.9 kilos.

“We are so happy to receive the starter kit from PopCom and we were informed by PhilHealth that they will give free newborn screening and other services to our baby girl. This is a very big help to us and a blessing. Thank you to our government agencies for this effort,” articulated Damasco.

Also, Makinano revealed that a baby was born at 12:03 a.m. on July 27, 2014 in Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, however, the required time for one to be declared as the country's 100 Millionth Baby is 12:06 a.m. and beyond. "We were not able to get the title since we lack three more minutes to qualify. The baby was born earlier at 12:03 a.m.," he disclosed.

"This is a symbolic 100 Millionth Baby in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City among other provinces in Caraga that we visited today since a baby who was born somewhere in NCR was already declared as the country's 100 Millionth Baby... We will monitor these babies and in coordination with other partner government agencies, we will provide services to the babies to help them grow well and healthy," added Makinano.

It was also learned that there are six baby-nominees from the differerent provinces of Caraga for the said search, which include the two babies in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City.

Makinano further bared that the search was initiated to let the world know that despite the growing population in the country, the government is doing its best to provide the programs and services for the welfare of the masses, and for the babies that they may grow well and healthy. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Caraga Math wizards gear up to contend for international competitions

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) – The three pupils from two different schools in Caraga region who have been chosen by the Mathematics Development Academy  of the Philippines handled by the Mathematics Trainer’s Guild (MTG) are now primed and in full preparation to vie with perseverance  in the 2014 International Mathematics Competitions (IMC) on August 1-4 to be held in Singapore.

Math wizards  Raul Joshua Limbaga and Eysa Velle Garcia, pupils from Butuan City Special Education (SPED) Center, and Jules Ivan Cunanan of San Francisco SPED Learning Center, Agusan del Sur are placed in the best position to comprise the Philippine Team in the said prestigious international level competition.

Getting the exceptional opportunity to take the challenge in facing the battle with the bests in Mathematics from across countries, the three have undergone training and reviews inspite of their hectic academic schedules hoping and praying to bring home the bacon.

Principal of Butuan City SPED Center Restituto Navarro said that the school has lived up to enhancing the knowledge and skills of its learners in all areas of development, thus, continually producing globally-competitive pupils.

“This is not just about winning a competition, it is about cultivating future users of Mathematics, Mathematics researchers, and individuals who simply enjoy their inclination in the subject matter in general,” said Navarro.

In a separate competition, Marie Katerina Grace Aala of same school is set to fly to Kaohseong, Taiwan on August 9-12 to join the highly regarded World Math Invitational Competition.

Also, the school was able to send Eugo Zendo Asunto to the Asia Pacific Math Cup/King of Mathematics in Hongkong on June 28 to July 1, 2014 where he garnered silver and bronze medals. Both Joie Anne Marie Magdalera and Justin Joy Conde also received the merit prizes.

For the China Math Cup/Asia Cup held on July 18-22, 2014 in Hongkong, Bensan John Dagani and Shiloh Ruth Sasuman of Butuan City SPED Center have proudly received the silver and bronze medals for their well deserved efforts.

Moreover, gifted pupils, namely, Simon Autor and Ambruce James Torreon of Father Saturnino Urios University and Rainbow of Angels School, all in Butuan City, respectively have brought home bronze medals and merit awards.

Agusan National high School students Patricia Radaza and William Hangad, on the other hand, also reaped silver and bronze medals each.

Meanwhile, the city government of Butuan through mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. promised to provide a monetary assistance in the amount of P39,000. Likewise, Agusan del Norte 1st District representative Lawrence Lemuel Fortun will give P10,000 as a support for the processing fee and travel expenses abroad of the contingents. Other good-hearted private individuals have benevolently granted financial aid to the contestants who personally seek for extra sponsorship for them to surely represent the country and experience this significant journey despite constraint in economic status.

“We believe that this amount could make a worthy contribution to the outstanding achievement of these pupils by helping them pursue and proceed to the competition venue,” said Navarro.

 MTG Philippines’ international contest committee chairman Eduardo dela Cruz, Ed. D., bared that “our young mathematicians’ participation is one that will bring much pride and honor to our country as they are counted as among those smart math-gifted Filipino students to carry the Philippine banner into the competition arena.”

Dela Cruz said, the contest will be another enriching experience where the competitors can explore possibilities beneficial to the enhancement of their mathematical ability and giftedness. “They also can have the best opportunity to meet friendly contenders and feel the exciting bonding during the social and cultural events,” he added.

Completely supportive with this endeavor, the teachers of the contestants are giving utmost consideration by allowing them to be excused from the classes and be given the needed requirements to make up their marks especially on those days that they will be competing overseas.

Adding up the moral and spiritual support of their parents, these potential students will certainly run the whole race with confidence and go home victorious for taking the challenge. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


DTI celebrates 33 years of public service from customers, partners

By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, July 28 (PIA) - Warm wishes for the best in the years to come while hoping for more blessings from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were all gifts offered by the recipients of projects and partners in public service as their deep expression of DTI’s unfailing support as it celebrates its 33rd year of public service today at the DTI provincial office here.

Receiving the facilities for meat fabrication out of the Shared Service Facility program of the DTI, Prosperidad Mayor Albin Magdamit said they will be the first municipality in Agusan del Sur to produce quality and choice cut meat while being proud to be a first class slaughter house in the province with the facilities given to them by the DTI.

“For everybody to know, I am very excited to come here and receive the facilities and equipments from DTI in spite of my schedules calendared for today. The granting of these facilities is very timely because our new public market will be operating soonest possible and we are very glad to have these facilities that can make us unique in other markets province-wide,” Mayor Magdamit said.

Faith Aurora Dicang of the Hugpong sa Organikong Pagpanguma ug Edukasyon (HOPE) also said she cannot almost believe that after their casual meeting with DTI Agusan del Sur director Lolita Dorado, they could acquire technology and expand their organic fertilizer production and was very proud to announce to all those who attended the 33rd Anniversary of DTI that they have also expanded their market.

Relating how his connection with DTI started and how they work together, Rev. Solomon Bilaoen said he never regret being a partner of DTI for 21 years. “From cut flower business, down to business matching when I became the chairman of the Agusan del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, until we organized the Bantay Presyo, a monitoring team for consumers’ welfare, we enjoy having DTI Agusan del Sur as partner,” Rev. Bilaoen said.

During today’s celebration, DTI Agusan del Sur have signed Memorandum of Agreement with Dacutan Bag Manufacturing for their productivity enhancement project receiving facilities and equipment from DTI; with SAFRAADAP E-Bamboo Slats and Materials Processing; Coco Sugar Processing and Meat Fabrication of Prosperidad. DTI also turned-over today equipments for Cut Flower growers and the HOPE some very useful facilities like the tents and tools.

“Before, we are looking forward that our efforts will be rewarded, and here we are now, starting to receive from DTI government support to improve our economic condition,” HOPE adviser Aurora Ticang said. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


BSP to hold Fin-Ed Expo in Butuan

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) – In line with the trust of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to promote consumer protection and financial education (Fin-Ed) to its stakeholders, the Financial Consumer Affairs Group (FCAG) will conduct a Fin-Ed Expo for the working group in the city on November 19, 2014.

According to Atty. Prudence Angelita A. Kasala, deputy director and head of BSP, the Fin-Ed Expo is a whole day interactive financial learning activity aims to install awareness about the availability and accessibility of financial education programs to all Filipinos.

Also, the event will increase personal financial consciousness on the values and benefits of being financially empowered; and orient public about the available financial tools that will help in the promotion of their financial well being, said Kasala.

The Fin-Ed Expo, according to Kasala will mainly feature five interactive learning booths covering topics on Philippine Financial System, Personal Finance, Financial Products, Financial Regulations, and Primer Hub.

Kasala also said, representatives of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Insurance Commission (IC) will man the Financial Regulations Booth.

The Primer Hub will provide the participants with advisories and primers that supplement the information gained from the lectures and reinforce their learning experiences, Kasala added. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)


BSP orients Bislig stakeholders on new banknotes

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 28 (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conducted an orientation about the security features of the New Generation Philippine Banknotes to various stakeholders in the city.

The orientation, facilitated by Jetzer Tan of BSP Corporate Affairs Office, and Zandy Estoy of BSP-CDO, is part of the agency’s public information campaign about the country’s new peso bills, said Laine Elechicon of Bislig City Information Office.

“The purpose of this campaign is to inform our people of the importance of safeguarding and preventing the spread of counterfeit or fake money," said Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro.

In a press statement released from the BSP, the present banknotes will remain in circulation and will continue to be accepted as legal tender for at least three more years. Based on previous currency retirement or demonetization program of the BSP, this will give enough time for the public accordingly to make a full transition to the new generation currency, wherein a separate schedule will be followed for coins.

Banknotes of the Philippine peso are made of durable paper, principally composed 80% cotton and 20% abaca issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) for circulation in the country. (NGBT with reports from Bislig City Information office/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Surigao Norte Provincial Community Training Center inaugurated

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 28 (PIA) - The provincial government of Surigao del Norte finally attained its desire to provide high quality technical and vocational education for its constituents with the opening of the newly constructed Provincial Community Training Center (PCTC) building in the province.

The new PCTC building has an office building worth P1 million and planning/carpentry/masonry worth P1.2 million donated by Platinum Gold Metals Corp. (PGMC); lecture building worth P6.7 million from Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp. (THPAL); welding building worth P1.2 million from Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC); electrical/installation/maintenance building worth P1.2 million donated by Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC); and a 2-storey dormitory building worth P10.8 million from Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) Group of Companies and Philex-Silangan Mindanao Mining Corporation.

The formal opening and inauguration was held on Friday, July 25, 2014 at Sta. Cruz, Placer, this province. Leading the unveiling of mother marker and ceremonial cutting of chain were Commission on Appointments vice chairman and congressman Mel Sarmiento, Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) deputy director-general Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua, Surigao del Norte 1st district congressman Francisco T. Matugas, governor Sol F. Matugas, vice gov. Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr, board member Myrna M. Romarate, Placer mayor Felimon V. Napuli, Surigao City mayor Ernesto T. Matugas, and presidents and CEOs of THPAL Nickel Corp, TMC, PGMC, HMC and Philex-Silangan Mindanao Mining Corp.

TESDA deputy director-general Pascua, in his message, lauded the provincial government thru Gov. Matugas for a very laudable effort and accomplishments in giving livelihood programs and employment opportunities for her constituents.

Meanwhile, Sarmiento congratulated Gov. Matugas and the presidents and representatives of the mining companies who contributed to the landmark achievement of providing economic opportunities in the province.

“This is a clear and tangible manifestation that Private-Public Partnership (PPP) really works in the province of Surigao del Norte,” Sarmiento said.

On her part, Governor Matugas said that the structure was conceived from the desire to attain the inclusive well-being of all her constituents thru empowerment and making them globally-competitive by giving them high quality technical and vocational education.

Municipal mayors from different municipalities of the province, board members, heads and representatives of different national line agencies, provincial department heads, teachers, students, barangay captains and local government employees witnessed the blessing and inauguration of the said building. (SDR-PIA-Surigao del Norte)


July posts highest, costliest fire incidence in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, July 28 (PIA) – Aside from having the highest, the costliest fire incidences have also been posted during this month of July for the first half of 2014 in Surigao del Sur, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) under Acting Provincial Fire Marshall Insp. Rowella Dinolan.

Senior Fire Officer 1 (SFO1) Rogelio Secarro, Operations Section chief of the BFP Provincial Office, bared that of the total five fire occurrences provincewide, three have broken out within this month of July.

He also told that except for the fire incident in Madrid town, the two that happened in Barobo town and Bislig City were the costliest—at P1,250,000 and P19,000,000, respectively.

Secarro likewise reported that both fire incidents in the said places have burned down school buildings—Barobo Central Elementary School and Andres Soriano College (ASC). (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


PNP reiterates readiness for SONA security in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, July 28 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero  reiterated the readiness of the police in carrying out the security plan set for today in time for the scheduled State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino III.

He said that all units have also been reminded of maximum tolerance especially that protest rallies by some leftist groups are expected to take place.

It will be recalled that last week, Verdadero has already issued the same order to prevent any untoward incident to happen.

Meanwhile, he confirmed the five-day Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) being observed effective “12:00 noon of July 27, 2014 to 12:00 noon of Friday, August 1, 2014” based on the memorandum issued on July 27, 2014 by no less than Chief PNP.

The said SOPO covers the “six municipalities of Surigao del Norte, namely: Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigaquit, Claver, and Alegria; and the three municipalities of Agusan del Norte, namely: Kitcharao, Jabonga, and Santiago.”

It was learned that such step was taken in order to secure the proposed safe release on July 29 of the four PNP members, who have been held captive by the NPA since July 10 after the Alegria Municipal Police Station (MPS) was overrun by rebels. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


NPA to turn over four cops to Roxas

MANILA, July 28 (PIA) - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas will fly to Mindanao tomorrow (July 29) to ensure the safe release of four police officers held captive by the New People’s Army (NPA) after a rebel raid on the Alegria municipal police station in Surigao del Norte last July 10.
          
“Kung kinakailangang pumasok sa kampo ng NPA, gagawin natin para masiguro lang na makukuha nating ligtas ang mga pulis na hawak nila ngayon,” Roxas said.
          
The DILG chief, however, refused to give details of the release, saying the specific location and mechanics were still being worked out by negotiators from the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).
          
“Inaayos na lamang ang ilang detalye pero nangako sila (NDF) sa akin na palalayain nila ang mga bihag na pulis bukas. Kaya nga pupunta mismo ako sa Mindanao para masigurong makukuha natin ang mga pulis at maibalik sila sa kanilang mga pamilya,” Roxas explained.
          
Negotiations for the safe release of the four police officers scored a major breakthrough after Roxas secured the commitment of the NDF to free their captives once the military and police agree to a five-day ceasefire in six towns of Surigao del Norte.

Suriago del Norte Governor Sol Matugas told Roxas that he has no objection to the deal won by the DILG Secretary, who took the initiative of seeking the release of PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino from the NDF leadership in Mindanao under Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos.

“We have talked with the NDF about the release of the four policemen since the NDF scrubbed the turnover scheduled for June 25,” said Roxas, adding that “the NDF in North Eastern Mindanao Region (NDF-NEMR) has decided to reduce substantially their conditions for the safe release of the four police officers.”

Roxas said the NDFP-NEMR initially sought a 10 day-ceasefire of military and police operations in Surigao City and 14 municipalities in the mainland of Surigao del Norte before the policemen are released.

Eventually, he noted, the NDF reduced the ceasefire period to six days covering only six municipalities in the mainland of Surigao del Norte.

“On Saturday, July 26, the NDF-NEMR informed Sec. Roxas through an emissary that the NPA units holding the four policemen are amenable in releasing their captives if government security forces will agree on a five-day ceasefire covering six towns in Surigao del Norte, namely Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigaquit, Alegria and Claver,” said Matugas in a press statement released last Sunday.

“Given these developments and in utmost regard of the overriding and paramount consideration on the life and security of the four captured policemen and the welfare of their respective families, the Provincial Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) poses no objection to a temporary ceasefire between government security forces and NPA units for five days covering the above-mentioned municipalities of Surigao del Norte,” she added.

“I am grateful that the timely intervention of Sec. Roxas, who has closely coordinated with the PCMC,  has largely contributed to the resolution of the crisis situation in ensuring that the four police officers will be freed safely and reunited with their families the soonest time possible,” Matugas stressed.

“I expect the NDF to abide by their commitment to release the four policemen immediately after government security forces reciprocated the proposed temporary ceasefire,” she concluded.

Roxas and Matugas also appealed to the NDF to be committed to the pursuit of genuine peace and holistic development through a participative process and coordinated efforts.

They also reiterated they are committed to the peaceful means of resolving the issues that had hindered the negotiations between the NDF and the Aquino administration. (DILG/PIA-Caraga)
                                                              

Cebuano News: Buhatan sa City Social Welfare and Development mibutyag sa ilang 2014 accomplishments

SURIGAO CITY, Hulyo 28 (PIA) - Pipila ka mga programa ug proyekto karong tuiga alang sa mga Surigaonon malamposong naakomplisar sa buhatan sa City Social Welfare and Development.

Sumala ni Gloria Salvador ang Acting Social Welfare and Development Officer nga sa mga nakalabay nga bulan karong tuiga nahimong malamposon ang ilang mga nagkadaiyang proyekto ug programa nga gipasiugdahan sa ilang buhatan kabahin na niini mao ang pag-akreditar sa mikabat 34 ka mga Day Care Workers ug Day Care Centers ubos sa ECCD Program, pag-inagurar sa upat ka mga Day Care Centers dinhi sa syudad lakip na niini ang Brgy. Libuac, Zaragoza, Day- asan ug San Juan.

Sumala pa ni Gemina nga lima ka mga Day Care Workers ang nakadawat ug pahalipay nagkantidad P5,000.00 pesos ug Plaque of Appreciation gikan sa lokal nga pangagamhanan  sa syudad pinaagi ni City Mayor Ernesto Matugas atol sa gipahigayon nga 1st Day Care Workers Summit didto sa Butuan City.

Dugang pa ni Gemina nga mikabat usab sa 6,629 ka mga pamilya ang nahimong benipisyaryo sa 4P’s (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) karong tuiga. (SDR/MICO-Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)